All Hail the Chief! Dr. Michael Bailey Is AVMA’s New President
From dyslexia to DVM, radiology subspecialist, executive leader—and AVMA’s first Black president
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey’s journey is a masterclass in overcoming adversity and forging new paths. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Hopewell, New Jersey, he navigated childhood with undiagnosed dyslexia—often discouraged academically, yet fueled by a determination to prove the doubters wrong.
He earned his DVM from historic Tuskegee University in 1982—a school with a legacy of breaking down racial barriers in veterinary education. From there, he undertook an internship and completed a radiology residency at Michigan State University, becoming a board-certified veterinary radiologist.
His career spans academic tenures at Tuskegee, Michigan State, and Ohio State University, where he also achieved tenure—eventually pioneering advanced CT imaging services and championing telemedicine in large veterinary referral networks. He currently serves as assistant medical director of telemedicine at IDEXX Laboratories.
After leadership roles in organized veterinary medicine—including on the Pennsylvania VMA and a six-year term on the AVMA Board (District II)—Dr. Bailey launched his campaign for AVMA office in 2023. In July 2024 he was elected AVMA’s first Black president-elect, and on July 20, 2025, officially sworn in as the first Black President of the AVMA, a milestone in the association’s 162-year history.
Triumph Over Dyslexia: Academic Grit and Perseverance
Dr. Bailey’s early educational struggles did not deter him—they shaped him. He has openly discussed how undiagnosed at first dyslexia presented daily challenges as a child. Yet inspired by supportive mentors, including his teacher Aunt who helped him get support for his diagnosis, and a steadfast personal resolve, he developed strategies to succeed academically—ultimately excelling as a veterinary student and later, a radiology specialist.
Against the Odds: From Under‑Supported Vet Student to Specialty Executive
Entering vet school with minimal support, Bailey carved his path through internships, residencies, and academia. His dedication led him into the elite ranks of veterinary radiologists—only a small subset of veterinarians nationally—and into executive-level roles, bridging clinical expertise with innovation in animal health tech.
Leadership and Vision: Framing the Future of the Profession
As AVMA President, Dr. Bailey emphasizes the importance of raising public appreciation for the depth of veterinary expertise—from public health to research, regulation, conservation, and beyond. His aims are clear:
elevate visibility and credibility of veterinarians,
promote mentorship and inclusive leadership,
cultivate a veterinary identity that resonates with diverse communities.
Diversity in Veterinary Medicine: His Election as Wake‑Up Call
Despite gradual gains, veterinary medicine remains one of the least diverse professions in the country. Dr. Bailey’s election isn’t just historic—it spotlights the ongoing need for representation and equity. He frequently underscores that his presidency should not be seen as an isolated event, but as a turning point in institutional change.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Dr. William Waddell
Dr. Michael Bailey follows in the path paved by early African American veterinary pioneers—chief among them Dr. William H. Waddell, born in 1908 in Richmond, Virginia. Waddell graduated from University of Pennsylvania DVM in 1935, then became:
the first African American member of the AVMA,
the first Black veterinarian to practice in West Virginia,
the first Black commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Officer Reserve Veterinary Corps.
He co-founded the Tuskegee Institute School of Veterinary Medicine in 1945, collaborated with George Washington Carver on research into peanut oil, served in WWII as a Buffalo Soldier caring for over 10,000 army horses and mules, and earned over 135 service medals. He passed away in January 2007 at age‑98.
Vision for the Future
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey: A living testament that resilient individuals from underrepresented backgrounds can rise to the highest echelons of veterinary leadership. His presidency is both personal triumph and a call to action for sustained equity.
Dr. William H. Waddell: A first-generation pioneer who opened doors when few were even aware the door existed.
Bailey’s ascent to AVMA presidency—including his specialty in radiology, executive leadership in telemedicine, and unyielding advocacy—marks a transformative chapter in veterinary history. His presidency offers real hope that diversity can become standard rather than exception.
Dr. Bailey’s story is more than an individual achievement—it’s the promise of broader transformation. As the first Black AVMA president, he honors Dr. Waddell’s groundbreaking legacy while blazing his own path. His leadership reminds us that systemic change in veterinary medicine is overdue—and possible.
